Liverpool's Supporters Board has written an open letter to principal owner John Henry, expressing 'deep concern for the future direction of the club' following the announcement of a three-year ticket price increase policy. The decision has ignited significant fan backlash, with further protests planned after a request for a freeze on inflation-linked rises was rejected.
Fan protests and historical context
A protest was staged at the recent home match against Fulham, and supporters are now mobilising for Saturday's fixture against Crystal Palace. This echoes similar fan action in 2016, when walkouts against a £70 match ticket prompted owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to perform a U-turn on their decision.
In the letter, which fans are being urged to sign, the Supporters Board stated: 'We don’t believe you are listening to Liverpool supporters right now regarding your decision to make the club the first to commit to a policy of locking in three years of general admission price rises.' It added, 'that is deeply concerning for the future direction of this club and English football in general.'
Concerns over dialogue and future access
The board highlighted that 'concerns have fallen on deaf ears', explaining that 'supporters have been clear in their opposition to the introduction of multi-year price rises. Not simply because of the increase itself, but because of what it represents: the removal of meaningful annual dialogue, and a shift towards a model where prices are set for years in advance, regardless of supporter sentiment, and any financial realities they or the club may face.' They warned that such decisions 'shape who is able to attend matches in the future and in doing so, they shape what the club becomes', expressing 'supporter concern is that future generations – their children, grandchildren and beyond – will not be able to do what they have done before.'
Club's response and justification
Despite the strong criticism, it is understood that Liverpool has reached out to the Supporters Board and other groups like Spirit of Shankly, expressing a desire to maintain open lines of communication. The club has justified the price increases by citing an 85 per cent rise in matchday operating costs since the 2016-17 season. They insist adult season tickets will increase by no more than £3.50 per game over three years, with general admission tickets rising between £3 and £4.50 during the same period. The club also stressed that current match ticket prices on the Kop remain unchanged from when FSG took ownership over 15 years ago, despite a 45 per cent cumulative inflation over that time.
